Last updated: July 2, 2025
Being aware of the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of River Heads, Australia, particularly as it plays a pivotal role in safeguarding skin health. Understanding the varying UV levels throughout the day can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and the long-term health of your skin. With a Cfa climate, River Heads experiences mild winters and warm summers, which can lead to varying UV exposure risks. Notably, during midday hours, UV Index readings can reach as high as 6, emphasizing the need for vigilance against overexposure and reinforcing the importance of sun safety measures.
The UV Index starts low in the early morning, with a maximum of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, making it a safe time for outdoor activities. As the day progresses, the intensity rises sharply, peaking at 6 between 11:00 and 12:00—the perfect time to take precautions if heading outside. By 13:00, it dips slightly to 5, and a more noticeable decline occurs in the afternoon, falling to 2 by 15:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index drops off sharply, reaching 1 by 16:00, and finally 0 past 18:00. It’s clear that midday sun calls for some sun safety measures, but the later hours provide a much more forgiving environment for enjoying the outdoors!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, with the highest values occurring from January to March and in November and December, where it reaches an extreme level of 15 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure are January, February, March, October, November, and December, where precautions are vital due to extreme levels. In contrast, April shows a notably high UV Index of 10, while May and July present a moderate risk with indices of 7 and 6, respectively. As summer approaches, June and August maintain a moderate to high risk, with indices of 5 and 9, respectively. Residents and visitors should be aware of these fluctuations and take protective measures, particularly during high-risk months. Wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and seeking shade during peak UV hours are essential steps for safe sun exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne UVI | 14 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 14 |
| Adelaide UVI | 14 | 13 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 15 |
| Sydney UVI | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 |
| Perth UVI | 14 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 14 |
| Brisbane UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
| River Heads | 15 | 15 | 14 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 |